Thanks to a generous donation from Keren Hayessod, Akim built a new multi-pourpose center in Afula for people with special needs.

The new center was named: Beit Amit  in memory of "Rafael Michael Z"L, the oppening ceremopny was held last March 29th 2006 with the presence of the Mayor of Afula ,and honorable guests from Israel and abroad 

The construction of this wanderful project constitutes a quantum leap with respect to answering the needs of people with special needs. Both the physical structure and the services it will provide have been planned at a very high level.

Te center ill serve the mentally handicapped population living in the following regional councils of Gilboa, Jezreel Valley, Beit Shean Valley, and the local councils of Afula and Beit Shean, many of them. new inmigrants form the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia and south America

Activities at the Center

Adult recreational activities club - A club for activities in the afternoons, for approximately seventy people. The club provides creative activities, music, sports, drama, and organizes outings and special events on holidays.

Nursing adult day care center - This day care center is intended as an occupational and treatment center for adults whose degree of mental retardation prevents them from taking part in existing occupational frameworks.

Instructional day care center for youth - This is a club for young people studying in special education schools; it will provide social and creative activities in the afternoon hours and the evening.

Weekend recreation - A recreation center for all ages intended for weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) in order to help the families of the mentally handicapped.

Summer camps - Camps organized by AKIM during summer vacation. In these camps the participants enjoy a variety of activities and trips around the country.

Staff refresher courses - Beit Amit will provide enrichment and refresher courses for workers and volunteers who work with the mentally handicapped.

Support meetings for parents - Beit Amit will host such meetings for parents and other family members. In addition, a contact and information center will be opened, for the use of both family members and professionals.

Goals

1.   To meet the needs of the mentally handicapped and their families in the Afula area.

2.   To develop activities that will enable the mentally handicapped to acquire new skills and to improve their abilities in every domain of their lives.

3.   To demonstrate that the mentally handicapped can become integrated into the community and realize their potential.

4.   To give support to the families of the mentally handicapped and enable them to participate in planning for their children.

Targets

1.   Development of five different frameworks answering different needs, enabling some 150 mentally handicapped people and their families to utilize the services of the community.

2.   One-hundred seriously handicapped people in the Afula area and their families will be able to enjoy the treatment, occupational and recreational facilities at the center.

3.   Recruitment of thirty mentally handicapped volunteers who will work in the community.